The Nigeria Police Force says it has rescued five kidnap victims, neutralized five suspected kidnappers, and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition in separate operations across Kebbi and Abia States.

The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Tuesday, disclosed that the breakthroughs were part of ongoing operations to bolster internal security and protect citizens.

According to him, in Kebbi State, operatives acting with local vigilantes tracked down kidnappers who had stormed Sangara Village in Shanga Local Government Area on July 27, 2025, and abducted three people.

The gang, according to the statement, was engaged in a fierce gun battle at Shanga Hills, forcing the suspects to flee with gunshot wounds, while the victims identified as Muhammad Nasamu Namata, 25; Gide Namata, 20; and Hamidu Alhaji Namani, 35 were rescued.

Similarly, on August 15, 2025, operatives on patrol in Dankade Village, Ribah District, encountered another gang of armed bandits. Two kidnap victims Tukur Bello, 26, and Isyaka Abubakar, 25 who had been abducted while grazing cattle in Gairi Forest, Zamfara State, were rescued unhurt and reunited with their families.

In Abia State, the statement said police stormed a kidnappers’ hideout at Umuiku Obete Village in Ukwa West LGA, following credible intelligence. The suspects opened fire on sighting security operatives, but were overpowered, leading to the death of five gang members.

Items recovered at the scene include six AK-47 rifles, 335 rounds of live ammunition, 14 magazines, five handsets, three cutlasses, five operational jackets, an axe, a pair of boots, a charm, and a double-barrel long gun. Follow-up operations are underway to arrest fleeing suspects.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the officers for their commitment, urging them to sustain the offensive against criminals nationwide.

He reassured Nigerians of the Force’s determination to tackle crime and maintain law and order.